Drug Enforcement Administration

Jury Convicts Two In Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

FORT WORTH, Texas - Following a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, a federal jury has convicted two Fort Worth men on felony drug offenses, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

David Piper, Jr., 52, and Carlos Cortinas, 39, were each convicted late yesterday on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The drug trafficking conspiracy count carries a maximum statutory penalty of life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2017. Co-conspirator Chadwick Hernandez, 32, pleaded guilty in February 2017 to the same offense and is scheduled to be sentenced June 26, 2017.

The government presented evidence at trial that beginning in March 2015 until January 20, 2016 Piper and Cortinas possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Evidence elicited at trial showed that methamphetamine distributors from Arlington, including Cortinas, transported multiple pounds of methamphetamine to Piper for re-distribution of methamphetamine in Bolivar, Missouri.